- Trump offered Chinese President Xi Jinping US arms deal.
- Offer made amidst China's objections to Taiwan weapon sales.
- Proposal could significantly alter US policy towards China.
US President Donald Trump offered an arms deal to Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to the United States. Speaking on Fox News Sunday, US Ambassador to China David Perdue revealed that Trump asked his geopolitical rival if Beijing would be interested in purchasing American weapons.
The offer came in response to the Chinese president's objections regarding Washington's sales of weapons to Taiwan, a democratically governed island claimed by China as its territory. Reacting to Xi's position, Trump reportedly tried to justify the US arms sales to Taiwan by downplaying them as routine military trade.
"Would You Like To Buy Some": Trump To Xi
According to Perdue, the two leaders were discussing Washington's weapon supplies to Taiwan when Trump downplayed the shipments.
"Hey, we sell arms to other people around the world," Trump told Xi.
Detailing the exchange further, Perdue added, "He actually asked President Xi, would he like to buy some (arms), at one point."
However, the ambassador did not specify the exact moment or setting in which Trump made the proposal.
Trump's proposal, if pursued, would mark a major shift in Washington's longstanding policy toward Beijing and Taiwan, raising concerns about exposing sensitive US military technology to a strategic rival.
Trump's Proposal To China Raises Concerns Over Taiwan Aid
During the interview, host Shannon Bream highlighted growing concerns from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers over delays in weapons orders and aid packages for Taiwan as it faces the threat of a potential Chinese invasion. She questioned whether Washington was intentionally withholding arms from Taiwan to avoid provoking Xi.
Perdue dismissed that concern, stating that Trump "is as strong on Taiwan as I've ever seen anybody" and emphasising that he had previously approved substantial weapons sales to the island.
US-China Foreign Policy, Taiwan Defence, And Beijing's Response
Under US law, Washington is required to provide Taiwan with the means necessary to protect itself. While the US does not officially recognise Taiwan as an independent nation, it remains the island's primary unofficial backer and weapons supplier. However, American leaders have long maintained a policy of strategic ambiguity regarding whether US forces would intervene militarily if China launched an attack.
Beijing has consistently demanded an end to US weapons sales to Taiwan, including during a summit between Trump and Xi in Beijing. Following that earlier meeting, the US paused a record $14 billion arms package for Taiwan, with Trump referring to weapons sales to the island as a "very good negotiating chip" with China. During their White House meeting, Xi reiterated Beijing's stance, urging Trump to oppose Taiwan independence, according to Chinese state media.
When asked about Perdue's remarks, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun did not directly confirm them. He emphasised that Beijing develops its national defence according to its own security needs and remains committed to global peace and stability.
(With Inputs From Agencies)
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